Self Binding

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Self binding a quilt was the method often used by women in the 18th and
19th centuries. It is where the backing fabric also doubled as the
quilt’s binding.

This method allowed the quilter to show off their backing fabric on the
front and it was also less time-consuming than using the continuous
binding method. The drawbacks however need to be considered. History has
shown us that it is these types of bindings that wear out first. So
using any binding method that only uses a single layer of fabric will
not wear well.

Self Binding Instructions

* Measure quilt top

* Cut backing fabric 4" wider on all sides. It's better to
have the backing too large than too small, so give yourself room for
error.

* On a flat surface lay backing fabric right side down

* Place batting on top centrally

* Place quilt top right side up over batting

* Quilt layers together either by hand or machine. Start
in the center and work your way out so that if the fabric shifts or
stretches, the excess will move to the edges of the quilt.

* Fold the excess backing fabric under the quilt and use a
rotary cutter & ruler to square up the quilt top and to trim away
any excess batting.

* Decide the width you want your binding to be and double
it. Trim excess binding. If you are wanting a 1" binding width then trim
the excess binding to 2".

* Fold excess backing in half so that the raw edges of the backing meet the raw edges of the quilt.

* Fold the backing fabric up and over the raw edges of the quilt.

* Pin in place taking care at the corners. You can miter your corners if you choose.

* Hand stitch in place

Tips

* If you want a full binding (batting in your binding) then remember to include this in your measuring and not to trim it away.

* There is no right or wrong width to this binding. Choose what looks best for your quilt.

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